You can experience acne almost anywhere on your body, including pimples on your shoulders. While pimples are usually more common on the face, pimples on shoulders aren’t out of the ordinary. While shoulder acne is slightly more common in men, there are a number of factors that contribute to shoulder acne in both men and women. We’ll take a look at the most important factors so you can build a plan to treat and prevent shoulder acne.
What causes shoulder acne?
Acne is formed when excess oil (sebum) from your skin mixes with dead skin cells to clog your pores. One of the reasons the face is such a hotbed for acne is that there are a higher number of oil glands there. More oil glands means more sebum, and more sebum means more chances for acne. It’s a vicious cycle.
Other areas of your body, shoulders included, can be just as vulnerable to acne. Take a look at the external and internal factors outlined below that can trigger shoulder acne.
Not showering right after a workout
Sweat on your skin from a workout can mix with oil and dead skin cells to contribute to clogged pores. Additionally, the humid environment on sweaty skin is an ideal home for acne-causing bacteria. If possible, you should take a shower immediately after your workout. If you don’t have time for a shower, you can use medicated acne wipes. Proactiv® members have access to exclusive add-ons, such as the Proactiv Clear Zone Body Pads, that are easy to keep in your sports bag and use at the gym or after sports.
Not washing clothes after sweating
When you sweat during a workout, your clothes inevitably rub against your skin and pick up some of the sweat, dirt, and bacteria. This is especially true in areas like your shoulders that are always in contact with your workout clothes. Re-wearing clothes can reintroduce that cocktail of debris to your skin. Even just taking too long to change out of sweaty clothes can foster acne-causing bacteria and contribute to clogged pores. Plus, tight clothes rubbing continuously against your skin can lead to acne mechanica, a type of acne caused by friction or pressure on the skin. Try changing right after workouts and use a fresh set of athletic wear the next time you head to the gym.
Hormones
Hormone fluctuations can cause all sorts of mayhem both inside and outside of your body. In particular, they increase sebum production, which makes you more acne prone. Of course, controlling your hormones isn’t the easiest thing — so here are some things you can do to help get rid of shoulder acne.
How to get rid of shoulder acne
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Use the right soaps and body washes.
Since acne is the result of interactions between bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, keeping the surface of your skin clean is key. Opt for unscented products, as fragrances commonly cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Check out this shower routine for treating body acne.
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Use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based cleanser.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both popular, acne-fighting ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide targets acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid targets clogged pores. Both ingredients pack a wider array of benefits. Applying these extra powerful ingredients can help penetrate the thicker skin on your shoulders.
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Exfoliate the skin on your body.
Exfoliation isn’t just for the face. The skin on your body sheds and renews itself too! As your body produces fresh skin cells, your skin pushes the older cells to the surface where they can accumulate and mix with excess oil to clog your pores. This process is called skin cell turnover, and it’s vital to how your skin keeps itself looking young and healthy. Exfoliation helps you remove the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface to reduce the likelihood of acne.
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Leave those bumps alone!
You should never pick at your acne. As tempting as it may be, having the discipline to not scratch or pop your pimples will pay off in the long run. Picking at pimples on your shoulder, or pimples anywhere for that matter, will only make them worse. Just remember that while popping a pimple can make that specific pimple go away, the bacteria and oil from that popped pimple may move beneath your skin to adjacent pores, causing additional pimples in the surrounding area.
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Apply sunscreen.
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine. No matter the time of year, it’s important to cover any exposed skin with sunscreen. Your shoulders are particularly prone to sun damage since they almost always face the sun. If you neglect protecting your shoulders from the sun’s UV rays, you can experience irritation and dryness (even if you don’t see a sunburn!), which can cause your skin to produce more hydrating oil to compensate and inevitably lead to shoulder acne. If you want to avoid sunscreen’s greasy, oily look, you can always find oil-free options that reduce unwanted shine!
The bottom line
Getting rid of shoulder acne can be particularly frustrating, especially when most acne information you see online is focused toward acne on the face. But by keeping your problem areas clean, adding benzoyl peroxide and exfoliation to your routine, and avoiding picking at your shoulder pimples, you’re off to a good start. Plus, if you’re already a proactiv member, you get exclusive access to bonus products including the Acne Body Wash, which is perfect for targeting shoulder acne.
